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Crest factor is an important metric associated with phenomena such as (but not limited to) headroom, distortion, instantaneous power consumption, and loudspeaker driver excursion.
In part 1 of this 4‑episode series on crest factor, we will begin by defining crest factor first. Towards the end, you can download a MS Excel Workbook for free that contains all relevant calculations and graphics used in this article.
Subsequent episodes will cover crest factor and filters, crest factor and power consumption, and crest factor in the air: measuring sound levels.
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Figure 1What happens when you randomize the sample order of pink noise? Let's start with white noise first.
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Figure 1A short story about my favorite audio signal (at the time of writing) for auditioning time smearing in sound systems.
"Transient"
Lasting only for a short time.
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It is extremely gratifying to have accurate 3D prediction software confirm and validate tried and tested loudspeaker selection, positioning, and aiming techniques, some of which predate prediction software all together.
Industry legend Bob "6o6" McCarthy created simple but reliable methods such as Forward Aspect Ratio and Lateral Aspect Ratio which minimize variance over listening‑space, that empower audio professionals to deploy loudspeakers without computer aid.
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Specular reflections can make analyzer traces go fubar which complicates data interpretation and sets the table for poor EQ choices. Windowing or gating, in an attempt to rid ourselves of those pesky late arriving reflections, reduces the "jaggedness" in our traces, and thereby the need for excessive smoothing.
That being said, modern analyzers typically already apply windowing under‑the‑hood in such a way that useful (stable, early) reflections are preserved while detrimental reflections (echoes) are rejected.
While additional user‑defined windowing is often available, it typically comes at the expense of reduced frequency resolution and should be applied with caution.